Jamestown Offense Dazzles Grafton

YORK — Offensive firepower has been an overwhelming strength for Jamestown's boys soccer team all season. The Eagles finished off their run through the Bay Rivers District tournament Friday night with another big showing, upending Grafton 6-3 at Bailey Field.

Jamestown's Kramer Runager scored three goals, while fellow forward Winston Mattheisen tallied two goals and two assists. John Tarley had two assists and Brian Miller a single goal for the Eagles (15-2).

Jamestown was without starting goalkeeper Myles Antonini, who sustained a concussion in a collision with Lafayette forward Justin Wolfe in Wednesday's semifinal. Patrick O'Brien, the brother of Eagles coach Bobby O'Brien, started in goal.

As regular-season champion, Jamestown will be the No. 1 seed out of the Bay Rivers in next week's Region I tournament. The Eagles will host Park View of South Hill at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in a quarterfinal at James City County Stadium.

Grafton, the Bay Rivers' No. 2 seed, will play at Courtland in the Fredericksburg area at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Clippers (13-4-2) lost 6-0 to Jamestown early in the regular season, but held a 2-2 tie until 19:49 remained in the first half.

Runager's goal then put his team up 3-2 through halftime, after which Jamestown started dismantling the Grafton defense. Bobby O'Brien said having no games last week allowed his team to focus on practicing Runager and Mattheisen combining up front.

"It's showed in the last three games - those two up front are working real well together," Bobby O'Brien said.

"We don't like to give up three goals. However, we know that we're going to create a ton of chances."

The taller Jamestown squad was active around the net and on set pieces. Grafton goalkeeper Ari Mousavizadegan made two header saves on balls in the air right at him.

"They're very good in the air," Grafton coach Steve Butler said. "They're big and strong and we can't match up."

Antonini was advised to stay out a week, Bobby O'Brien said. So he will either return for Tuesday's game or, in the event of a victory, more likely for Thursday's regional semifinal. Patrick O'Brien played in goal some earlier this season.

"I am extremely comfortable with him one because he's my brother, so I've been around him for the longest time," Bobby O'Brien said. "He understands the position. He's not a goalkeeper, but he understands the position very well."

Jamestown, a state semifinalist last season, did not lose to a district opponent this season.

"The games that count, we come out ready to play," said Runager, the district Player of the Year. "We know there's going to be some competition on the road in regionals, hopefully on to states. But we're just taking care of business right now, playing like we usually do."